Day 43

The snow has melted. I am all out of earl grey. And, this is our final day together. I must confess, along with Elizabeth Bennet, that the view from where I sit today is rather grey. 

Nonetheless, I pour my pot of jade citrus mint, believing that with every ending there is occasion for a new beginning. Besides, it seems only fitting to be sipping a refreshing mint tea, when on our first day together I shared that my hope for you is to be refreshed! 

There are many things in life that encourage and lift us up for a short time, but nothing can refresh and renew us like God's Word. No more pretty Bibles. Let us fill our Bibles with notes all around the edges, ink smears, tear stains, tea stains, tattered edges, crinkled and worn pages. Unmistakable signs that you have been there and have been involved. Let us fill our houses with powerful Scripture verses. Let us have prayer rooms where the carpet is wearing thin. Let us step away from our callous generation and say with Paul, "For me to live is Christ!" And, let our fire light the next generation to do the same!

Friends, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!


The journal concludes…

'But God forbid 

that I should glory, 

save in the cross 

of our Lord Jesus Christ.' 

(6:14) 

  

I write this verse in large letters, as I imagined Paul did on the original copy (6:11). Lest these self-seeking, self-righteous, finger-pointing believers at Galatia miss what they should be boasting in. Lest this self-seeking, easily distracted, busy mom miss what I should be glorying in. 

Thanksgiving day has arrived! And while this dare comes to an end, I must continue to sow…to sow to the Spirit—giving my time and energy not to satisfying my sinful desires, leading only to my own destruction, but to walking in the Spirit, leading to a harvest of life (6:8).

My Final Dare:

To rejoice in the cross—in Christ! I have found the joy I was looking for and it is seated at the table of thanksgiving, as I praise my Lord for His glorious gospel of grace! 

  

Day 42

I found myself talking to my washing machine today. Encouraging her, that though she would not get a nap time like the rest of us, I promise to give her Thursday off. See what kids do to us?!! I was once a respectable business owner and now I find myself comforting my washer! But, while there are days…there are days…when I feel like I am losing my mind, I really have the life! 

I would never go back to the days of lining up meetings at Starbucks with elite brides and putting together design packages for them. While it was great, my life now is grand. Now, I wake up to the pitter-patter of little feet and to sounds of laughter and giggles, and I am investing my life into four little lives that will grow up to impact others. 

I am resolved. Resolved to embrace my current season of life. Chasing little ones around all day is no easy task, but I will resist the urge to hurry the day by to get to bedtime. I will enjoy this time God has entrusted to me with His precious children and I will use it for Him. And another thing, I will not wait to enjoy my husband until the kids are grown and out of the way. The focus of this dare has been on being a light to my children, but my husband comes first in all of this. I am resolved.

Who will join me?


The journal continues…

I cannot do the things that I would (5:17). One thing I have seen so evident through this dare is that I cannot simply will to overcome the flesh. Paul knew this. He basically says in Romans 7, that what he wants to do he does not do, but what he does not want to do, that is what he finds himself doing. He wants to do good, he says in verse 19, but he ends up doing the evil he does not want to do. 

I find this struggle of the flesh always present with me as a mom. There is much good I want to do and yet everyday I find myself doing the exact things I do not want to do. The things I abhor about myself that I only discovered were a part of my character when tried by the fire of four energetic children. 

The works of the flesh Paul lists in chapter 5 may seem a far cry for most settled believers, but as I dig deeper, I see words that mean 'outbursts of anger' or 'self-seeking, selfish ambition' and I cringe in shame. The message of Galatians—of law versus grace—is that I cannot have victory in my own strength or by my own will. If I could, then Christ died in vain. God forbid!

This means there is a source beyond myself where I can find victory—the Spirit.

'Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh' (5:16).

The freedom I have in Christ compels me to love others. Love is the grand secret. It takes the place of all the laws God ever gave. If you love others, you will not steal, lie, envy… Love is God's substitute for law. But, this love is not something I can will to do in my own strength, in the same way I cannot fight the flesh on my own. Again, I need the Spirit. The Spirit was God's special gift to me given at the day of my salvation. But, everyday, I make the choice to yield to the flesh or to the Spirit.

'If you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law' (5:18).

Which brings me to the question, 'Who is leading my life or, more practically, my day?' Self? With all its emotions, lusts and pity. Or Spirit? With fruit that unfolds a beautiful life. And here is that lovely list of fruit without the plural ending because in my search for joy, God has filled me with the knowledge of so much more wealth available to me through Him—

Love

Joy

Peace

Longsuffering (patience)

Goodness

Gentleness

Faith

Meekness

Temperance (self-control)

This fruit all comes in the same basket. There can be no joy apart from love, patience, gentleness. But, rather than seeking to fill my home with all these beautiful graces, I simply need to seek my God—to abide in my Vine (John 15:1-5)—through the Word, prayer and humbly walking with Him. 

Why would God make salvation so simple and sanctification so difficult? I cannot live the Christian life. I was never meant to live the Christian life. I was meant to know my God and His Word, to love Him, to honor Him and to depend on Him for EVERYTHING. In Him is life and through His Spirit is fruit and through that fruit others—especially my children—are fed and helped and longing for what we have that can truly satisfy their souls.

And through this process of a desperate branch growing (becoming more like Christ), God is glorified.

My Dare:

To simplify my life—'For to me to live is Christ' (Philippians 1:21). And, what I mean by 'simplify': to relax and enjoy my wealth (what I have in Christ). I cannot add anything to my overwhelming, unsearchable riches. It is time to go to the bank (the Spirit) and withdraw life in full—abundant life (John 10:10). My deposit slip is prayer and my signature is dependence, trust. My response: a heart of thanksgiving—'eucharisto'—which always leads to joy.

'Joy is a flame that glimmers only in the palm of the open and humble hand. The moment the hand is clenched tight, fingers all pointing toward self and rights and demands, joy is snuffed out. Only self can kill joy.'*

And, only the Spirit can bring joy to fruition!

I encourage you to read Galatians 6 and join me tomorrow for our final dare! Paul does not bring his letter to a gentle close. He is looking for his Sharpie permanent marker—in big, bold, lasting letters, he will leave the believers at Galatia, and us, with one final challenge. And, though our journey will end with the joy we were searching for, this is all really just the beginning. 



* Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts 

Day 41

The house feels eerily quiet this morning as I sit with my cup of earl grey, and watch the beautiful, C L E A N white snow melt away, revealing the muddy brown dirt beneath. I cringe. Then, distract myself to think on better things, like the faces of the seven children (I had my brother's three kids for the weekend plus my own four—a grand total of SEVEN!) as they went sledding down our mountainous hills. 

My husband and I were rolling in laughter as we watched these tiny persons whiz down from the top of our highest hill, then continue to slide across the driveway and go airborne over the second hill, landing in the middle of the pasture and stopping only feet away from our creek (whew!). My husband noted that one of the joys of parenting—more exciting than experiencing the fun yourself—is seeing your children enjoy what you found exciting as a child. 

I always enjoy my husband's tidbits of wisdom, especially after he grinds his dark roast coffee beans and waits the four minutes for them to brew in his press. He leans against the stove, with a sparkle in his eyes, excited to analyze the moments of the day with me. I am very drawn to words of wisdom—a rich quote, a deep book, the Scripture verses on my windowsill—and, as a parent, I often feel desperate for wisdom!

So, today, I am putting this verse on my windowsill:

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, 
that giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; 
and it shall be given him."
--James 1:5



The journal continues…

In thinking back to Paul's allegory in chapter 4, Ishmael (a symbol of legalism) could not coexist with Isaac (a symbol of grace). You cannot mix law and grace, flesh and Spirit, faith and works, God's gift of righteousness and man's attempts to earn righteousness. God commanded Abraham to send away his son Ishmael. Abraham's broken heart meant Israel's liberty; likewise, God's giving of His Son means our liberty in Christ. 

A few days ago I learned the purpose of the law, but I must be careful to not let it sneak its lustful way into my parenting. Legalism is not the setting of standards—it is worshipping these standards and thinking that we are spiritual because we obey them. It is judging other believers on the basis of these standards. 

The goal of parenting is not 'good' children. 

That will only lead us to the dreaded, 'I don't understand what happened…he/she was such a good kid before.' No, the goal of all true believers is to raise children who know their God and all the riches of His grace, as hopefully seen shining through the life of their parents through the power of the Holy Spirit—the secret to living by grace, through faith. 

My Dare:

To check my motives in discipline—if I am anxious, a ball of stress, impatient, complaining, fussing, arguing, justifying, embarrassed, overreacting—perhaps I am more concerned as to how my children offended me, rather than our holy God.

Was I more bothered because it was my Christmas decoration box that was messed with, possibly causing special decorations to be broken or because they need to learn a respect for the things of others, thus showing a Christ-like concern on the behalf of others? Would I have been upset if it had been a different box with items I did not care about? And, in all my rantings, I missed how nicely everything was put back and the kid's beautifully decorated rooms that matched the glow of excitement on their faces. 

Was this a time for discipline or careful training? The latter! My unrealistic standards sucked all the joy out of the beautiful morning God gave us. This is not how I teach grace to my children. The Spirit would have me learn patience, the biting of my tongue, a slowness to wrath, and true wisdom that would have seen exactly what was taking place. 

As we live by the Spirit, we gain all the wisdom we need as parents! 

Amid the dry, barrenness of winter, there is always one luscious bowl of color on my counter. Citrus. Oranges and Grapefruit to slice up throughout the day. Lemons for our salads and limes for our Pellegrinos. My daughter excitedly said to me one morning at breakfast, as she handed me a mound of orange peels for the compost, that she wishes she could live in a valley of citrus trees with only a soft little leaf as her bed. Needless to say, we are the peculiar family that drives past Disney World on our Florida vacation to enjoy a whole day of citrus picking and slurping down fresh squeezed orange juice slushies. 

But, better than the juiciness of a fresh picked orange, is the fruit that frees me from myself and fills the souls of children with endless delight. Join me tomorrow as we come to the end of chapter 5 of Galatians, to the awaited passage bearing the fruit of the Spirit.

Day 40

Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on…
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not much better than they?
(Matthew 6:25-26)

It never rains worms. 

Birds have a God-given instinct that tells them where to find food, and they go for it. They work for it. Birds do not worry where they are going to find the food, they just fly until they find it, and God provides it. If birds have no reason to worry, then what are you worrying for? Are you not much better than a bird? Jesus asks in Matthew 6.

We are created in the image of Christ, designed to be joint heir with Jesus throughout eternity. No bird has a place prepared for him in heaven in the Father's house. Yet, if God sustains the life of a bird, how much more will He take care of us?

It never rains money. 

We must seek the Lord and live obedient to His will (6:33), and God will provide. When we ignore God's priorities and promises, we forfeit a carefree heart.* 

If God's promises are true—and they are!—then I never have cause for worry.

The journal continues…

Beans. Bananas. And, dollar Bread. 

That was my list for Walmart today as we scrape to get by until payday. We are well provided for by our God, but He has chosen to allow this to be an area of struggle for us—for us to have to trust Him for our daily need. While this is almost unheard of in today's world of credit cards, it has been an exciting journey for us to see God faithfully provide and remain true to His promises. And, to see the power of prayer.

So, as I come to Galatians today, without even a dollar in my bank account, Paul reminds me that I am extremely wealthy—spiritually rich. And, this is not an allegory as in chapter 4—this is literal. As a believer, I now share in the riches of God's grace (Ephesians 1:7), the riches of His glory (Ephesians 1:18, Philippians 4:19), the riches of His wisdom (Romans 11:33, James 1:5-6), and the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). I am 'complete in Him' (Colossians 2:10). I have everything I need to live the Christian life (2 Peter 1:3).

The believers at Galatia in choosing legalism had no profit (5:2), were in great debt to the law (5:3), and had none of the benefits of Christ (5:4). They had lost their freedom and their wealth.

'To live by grace means to depend on God's abundant supply of every need.'**

I am learning this in the physical sense as we trust God from paycheck to paycheck, but in the spiritual sense as I seek to grow in my Christian walk, how often am I looking to myself rather than to 'God's abundant supply'? Philippians and Galatians are taking me down the same path to Christlikeness—to finding true joy and love for my family: Depending on Christ to sanctify me the same way I depended on Him to save me—'through Christ,' 'with Christ,' 'by Christ,' 'in Christ.'

How can I make this really practical so that it is more than just a nice thought in my head? I sense Paul is getting ready to tell me. I imagine he is anxious. Now that the doctrine of law and grace has been put on trial, he is ready to get the believers at Galatia living right. And, just in time before this Thanksgiving dare comes to a close!

My Dare:

When it comes to God's provision, it seems He often gives just enough for today to keep us trusting for tomorrow. So, when it comes to my daily living, to not worry about tomorrow or the next big activity on the calendar—to plan and to pray—but to LIVE TODAY dependent on Christ and thankful to God for all of today's blessing. This is His will for me (I Thessalonians 5:18, Micah 6:8).

Do you ever wish your life was like a movie set, where you could do a few takes of each key moment and then pick the best one? Far too often, I find myself thinking back to what I should or should not have said and how the day could have been much more pleasant had I paused (and prayed!) before reacting to whatever life threw at me. The truth is our reactions reveal our hearts. Join me tomorrow as we focus our hearts, motives and parenting on what really matters.





* John MacArthur, Overcoming Financial Worry Part 1, www.gty.org
** Warren Wiersbe, Be Free 

Day 39

There was a rare moment yesterday. The kids were quietly working on their school work, while Handel's Water Music beautifully filled the hush of the room. 

I breathed. 

Of course, it was only for a moment, but I savored it. Life is full of little snippets of wonder, glimpsing us of our good Father who is always present. 

As we enter chapter four of Galatians today, we learn that Christ has not only freed us from the law, but has also given us a new name—His very own. We are in His family now, heirs of His kingdom. 'Great is the mystery of redemption!'*

The journal continues…

And, if as a child of God, I am free from the burden of the law, I no longer HAVE to obey…out of fear. I now CHOOSE to obey…out of love.

'If you love me, keep my commandments.' John 14:15

The Spirit whispers in my heart, 'Abba, Father,' drawing me to God and all I have in Him as a daughter or heir [Galatians 4:6-7]. The Spirit is living within me. I am 'partaker of the divine nature' (2 Peter 1:4). I am free from the weight and burden of things I have to do or should do. 

This freedom is not my ticket to independence, however. With it comes great responsibility to love and serve others (Galatians 5:13)—to show others the same grace that has been freely bestowed on me.

My Dare:

To be motivated by my love for God and appreciation of all He has done for me as I love and serve my family. To not be driven by duty as a mom and, thus, wear myself thin. A heart motivated by love is always full of joy and energy! 

We are nearing the end of our time together and I do not want you to leave empty handed. So, I encourage you to read Galatians 5 over the weekend and to come with open hands on Monday, ready to receive the riches of your inheritance in Christ! 

 * The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible, Thoughts for Personal/Family Worship: Galatians 4

Day 38

"God paints a new picture for us everyday, and few take the time to notice," a friend of mine once said, concerning the sky—my favorite part of God's creation. I take it in today. The soft line of orange rising behind the trees and over the mountain tops. The crystal blue, the textured clouds, the radiant glow of the sun. A glorious backdrop for the still picture of a red barn and rolling hills dusted with the first signs of snowfall this winter. 

This is our God. Filling our ordinary, bleak, cold days with His majestic glory! Only, few take the time to really see Him.

The journal continues…

If I did not care that my children grow up to honor and love God and to walk with Him, I would not need this dare. I simply would not let anything get me down in the day, do whatever quick fix was necessary to restore peace and provide fun fun fun for the kids. Coolest mom ever! That's what my kids would think in the beginning, but then they would grow up resenting me for their inability to mature into adulthood and live life richly. Or worse, they would be ignorant to the countless lives they touch in a negative way.

I do not negate the law. The law is not against the gospel, Paul says [Galatians 3:21]. The law was given to reveal sin and lead us to Christ. And so, I care. I discipline. I don't seek peace; I seek truth. I count the days, knowing they are fleeting and will soon vanish like the wind. I see every infraction translated into future fathers, husbands, wives, mothers. I set schedules and boundaries and rules. And this is good! Paul says the law is our 'schoolmaster.' But the problem with a schoolmaster is they do not stay around past maturity [Galatians 3:24-25]. 

The law cannot give life. It cannot justify the guilty sinner. It cannot give a person oneness with God. We need the law to 'bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith' [3:24]. The law is like a mirror that helps us see our 'dirty faces'—but you do not wash your face with the mirror! It is grace that provides the cleansing. 

My Dare:

As I teach my children righteousness and show them their 'dirty faces' in the mirror, to also shower them with grace—gospel love that I possess as an heir of God—forgiveness, selflessness, patience, kindness, tenderness, sympathy, a willingness to enter into childish troubles, a readiness to take part in childish joys.

Many would say the secret to obedient children is FEAR, but I would agree with J.C. Ryle that 'LOVE is the grand secret of successful training.' 'Few are to be found, even among grown-up people, who are not more easy to draw than to drive.'*

I want to draw my kids to Jesus—the One who can cleanse them and make them whole! 

FREE ENERGY.
That's right! Tomorrow, you can save your money on that Clif bar, Einstein power bagel, or Starbucks coffee. Because as we continue on to chapter 4 of Galatians, we learn that we are free from the law that drives us by duty, and free to live in the Spirit who energizes us by love.






* J.C. Ryle, The Duties of Parents 

Day 37

Three times today I asked God to help my car go into gear, and three times I had to keep my hand on the shifter, my foot on the brake and jump up and down, back and forth repeatedly like a madwoman to move the car out of park and get the shifter to go into drive. God answered my prayers after much struggle, leaving me exhausted, with hair going in every direction and hoping nobody at the library noticed the crazy mom shaking her car from the driver's seat. Reminds me of most of my days with kids—exhaustion, frizzy hair, hoping no one takes notice. Is there ever an EASY day with kids? Is there ever an easy day in life? 

God never promises an easy life, a life free of difficulty and pain. As parents we sometimes fail our kids. We give them the cookie they are whining for; we make their beds to save the hassle of forcing them to do it; we throw their uneaten green beans into the trash; I think I'll stop now, because my own stomach is cringing with conviction. But, God is not like that. He allows the struggle, the bits of pain, the unknowns, because He sees a much bigger picture. And, He is working for a much greater purpose. 

So, "What is God doing?" you may ask. I like the answer Stephen and Alex Kendrick give in their new book, The Battle Plan for Prayer, 
"He is thinking of His glory."

Deep deep deep down we sort-of think, "Bummer, and here I thought God was in it for ME all along!" Remember that verse, God's thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways? (Isaiah 55:8) In an amazing design of God, our good is completely intertwined with His glory (Romans 8:28). Don't forget—He died for YOU! He loves YOU! But, also don't forget—HE is God and we have been created for HIM (Isaiah 43:7; Romans 11:36). 

Our greatest joy is in bringing Him glory.  Maximum glory!   

The journal continues…

The believer who lives 'by grace, through faith' has no room for pride. She measures and compares herself with Christ, not with others. Thus, she cannot boast in her achievements or in anything, save in Jesus Christ. Legalists—lovers of the law—turn their noses at other Christians, but those who live by faith know true humility. 

The law is so appealing to us—we love to be able to measure our spirituality and check off our little 'godly to-do list' for the day—but Paul calls the law a 'curse' [Galatians 3:10-13]. It ends in death. Christ became this curse for us that we might end in life!

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live!  [Galatians 2:20]

My Dare:

To SHOW my kids their need of Christ. It is easy to breed little legalists—we say so much with our lips, but so little with our living. We tell them how big our God is and that they can trust Him. And, then they sit in their car seats and observe their stressed out mom, lost in traffic, trying to race against the clock, cast down from the many little troubles of the day and even blaming them for their late lunch because if she wouldn't have been distracted by the fighting in the back seat, she wouldn't have missed the turn 20 minutes back!

They don't see grace—a mom prayerfully trusting God through her day—they see law, complete with its high standards and zero tolerance for imperfection. Life is meant to be full of living—twists and turns, detours, bumps and curves in the road, just like the ones I love to drive every day to our home nestled in the mountains. How daunting it would be to go straight the WHOLE way! 

Where the path takes shape is when life gets good. Give them beautiful, pliable, life-giving grace!

Now that we have seen the binding effects of the law, should we just throw it out all together in the name of grace? Join me tomorrow as we come to the end of chapter three of Galatians where Paul explains the purpose of the law, giving us a picture of where law and grace should both come into play in our homes.

Day 36

Today's journal entry has me humming a song:

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! - who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.*


The journal continues…

'Spiritual growth and maturity are never enhanced by reliance on the efforts of the flesh.'** Paul says, 'Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect [being perfected; attaining maturity] by the flesh?' (3:3). 

In chapter 2, Paul cut to the heart of what it means to be a Christian—being justified by believing in Christ alone for salvation. Complete dependence on God and His promise to pardon my sin, free me from all guilt and to cover me with the perfect righteousness of Christ. None of my good works when brought before a holy God could reconcile myself to Him. Only what Christ did for me on the cross.

Now in chapter 3, as Paul questions the believers at Galatia, I wonder if he is not questioning all believers, including myself. How quickly we can drift away from complete dependence on Christ to reliance on self. We need Christ to save us and we need Christ to live.  

'The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me' (2:20). 

I don't believe in self-confidence. I believe in confidence in Christ alone. I am not ashamed of my frailty—I have been set free from the burden of performance. I am not the Vine. I am the branch [John 15:1-5]. And, without humility, I will never know my God nor His power in my life.   

My Dare:

Paul never overcomplicated the gospel. In fact, he sought to break it down to very clear terms so it could not be misunderstood. He gave his listeners only two options— 

Please God—or—Please man,

Live in the Spirit—or—Live in the flesh,

Grace—or—Law,

Blessing—or—Bondage 

Today, I will seek to do the same for my children. To not complicate the truth, but instead to make it very clear and simple so they can see only two choices before them:

Disobey and suffer the consequences

—or—

Obey and honor God 

This will help reveal their heart and their need for grace and the gospel. 

Most of us would certainly claim NOT to be legalists, yet when we turn our noses at other believers, pride ourselves in our high standards and many accomplishments, and look to ourselves to get through the problems of the day, we live void of grace. And, there is no middle ground. Join me tomorrow as Paul reveals in chapter three where the roads of law and grace both lead.

* Stuart Townend & Keith Getty, In Christ Alone
** The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible, Thoughts for Personal/Family Worship: Chapter 3 (Galatians) 

Day 35

The buzz word for this blog is "gospel." 

And, in case you are wondering what exactly that all means, in Paul's opening greeting in verses 3-5, he gives a clear reminder of the true gospel to protect against the false gospel that was entering the church of Galatia:

"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

In his book, A Gospel Primer, Milton Vincent defines the gospel as, "good news of salvation for hell-deserving sinners through the Person and work of Jesus Christ."

And, while I am always learning and growing in my understanding of the fullness of the gospel, here is my nutshell definition:

God's unexplainable love toward undeserving sinners like you and me, in giving His only Son to die as a sacrifice for our sins and to rise again that all who by grace believe in Jesus will forever live with Him, who is worthy of all the glory.

Wow! I agree with Vincent when he says, "That's just plain crazy!"

The journal continues…

What was Paul fighting for? Our spiritual freedom in Christ (2:4). His concern was not peace. His concern was "the truth of the Gospel" (2:5). 

Sometimes I think all I want as a mom is peace…I live for those moments of quiet, when everyone is getting along, when there are no 'emergencies'—so much so that I will often sacrifice the eternal on the alter of the immediate. When peace is threatened, it is then that I am most apt to yield to my flesh rather than to walk in the Spirit. 

But, the truth of the gospel has set me free from all that—free from fleshly lusts and idols—even if it is something as beautiful as peace on the pedestal. The truth will set me free! 

And, as I step away from the bondage of my desires, I see Christ orchestrating peace all around me—just as Paul watched the apostles and elders approve of this liberating gospel he presented before them. I don't have to take a stand for peace in my household. I stand for truth—the truth of the gospel—that when things start to war against the peace of our home, whether outside circumstances or inward rivalry, I live the gospel.

I respond to my children with patience and kindness—true Biblical love as demonstrated through the gospel. The gospel is what creates peace. As I fight for peace, I add fire to the fire, but as I stand for the truth of the gospel, the fruit of the Spirit become like a living stream, flowing through my home, quenching all the fiery darts of the evil one.

My Dare:

When the kids are fighting, when nap time is disrupted, when messes are made, when all I hear is incredible volume—to not join in the fight, but instead to STAND FAST. To believe that if I am patient, calm and teach my children the truth firmly, but in love, that the Spirit will fight this raging war and bring peace. And, the peace He promises is not always in my circumstances (Paul ended up in prison!)—it is far better—peace within. Peace to weather any storm. 

We are moving along quickly in Galatians—only eight days left! I encourage you to read chapter 3 before we meet again tomorrow. The message of Galatians is better to learn while running—running away from the duplicity of Satan and toward the clarity of the gospel.

Day 34

We have climbed mountains in our journey through Philippians—the mountains of our circumstances, struggles and fears. And now before us, in the book of Galatians, is an open field that we must run through. There will be little distractions along the way, but we must not stop to pick the dandelions like children so cutely do, there is a radiant field of wild flowers in the distance ahead—wild flowers of truth. The truth of who we really are in Christ!

"The truth will set you free"*

The journal continues…

I don't feel I am ready to be out of the prison cell just yet…I wish Philippians had at least ten more chapters, but I am moving on to Galatians in my continued search for becoming a 'REAL' Christian, one whose life demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit as listed in chapter 5. My aim is still joy, though I am certain all nine beautiful characteristics come as a package deal, especially since Paul calls them "fruit" of the Spirit in the singular sense. I am excitedly continuing my journey toward a more Spirit-filled, Spirit-run home. 

Paul is not sitting back rejoicing as in his letter to the church at Philippi—he is pacing—he is crossing out and rewriting, he's got to get this one right. The church of Galatia is going down a dangerous path. Paul sees right through their "noble," self-righteous pursuit. They see honor, Paul sees chains. 'We were meant to be free!' he surely cried out as he was trying to show the believers at Galatia how they had exchanged beautiful, glorious grace for the binding law Christ had died to overcome. 

The kids were playing Jailbreak today and my littlest one just stayed in the jail even though her older brother had worked so hard and risked it all to set her free. How similar was the church of Galatia—in their own ignorance, they were staying in the same place of bondage Christ had died to set them free from. 

And, in verse 10, Paul points out the defining question to ask yourself to know if you are the 'real deal'— 

'Do I seek to please men, or God?' 

That question separates the Christians who bear the fruit of the Spirit from those who work hard and are weary in doing good works. One is trying to do much for God, while the other is doing much with God. 

My Dare:

As I make decisions today—big or small—to ask myself the defining question: 'Am I seeking to please men, or God?' While it is a continual struggle of the flesh—a battle—to not want the praise of men, we must fight for what or Who we love.

I should probably hang a sign on our front door that reads, "Warning: War Zone" for any innocent unannounced guests. Because in the thick of the day when the floor is covered in Legos and play swords are cutting through the air and brothers are going at it and the littlest one is pulling everyone's hair, our home is nothing less than a battleground. But, while wars are raging on the outside, the true battle lies within. 

Join me in reading chapter 2 of Galatians this weekend and on Monday we will take a closer look at what Paul is fighting for.  

*John 8:32 ESV

Day 33

We have journeyed so far! I am praying for each one of you. That God would give you victory in your lives through the knowledge of Him who has called us to glory (2 Peter 1:3).

If we were to read the book of Philippians with 3D glasses on, the words "Christ" and "Joy" would be jumping off the pages at us. To Paul, these words are interchangeable and inseparable. And in our journey these past few months, both have become our reward.  

The journal continues…

Paul starts and ends his book with grace. In fact, all his books start and end that way. It is what believers need most—grace. Grace for this moment, grace for the next. God's unmerited favor. The whole truth of the glorious gospel narrowed down into one word that describes the key to my salvation and my sanctification—grace. I don't deserve it, yet it is lavished on me by my God.

My God will supply, will strengthen me, will be with me, will keep my heart and mind, will work in me to will and to do of His good pleasure, and will be faithful to complete this work of salvation in me until the day of Jesus Christ.

My Dare:

To extol Christ in my life and in my home. He is my prize, not joy. Joy is the beautiful overflow of a life RICH IN GOD.

Sadly, our study of Philippians has come to an end and it is time to leave the prison cell. But, the apostle Paul has more to say! This time, it is not Paul who is in chains, but rather the church of Galatia. I encourage you to read the first chapter of Galatians and join me tomorrow as we continue our trek toward joy-filled, Spirit-filled homes.



 

Day 32

All true believers have been to a place where we recognize that we have failed God. That we have ignored His glory and run for our own. That instead of giving thanks to Him and humbly submitting to His rule over our lives, we have rebelled against Him and have sought to exalt ourselves above Him. That we have "spurned a life under His wisdom and care, begrudged Him the throne and pretended [us] there."* Thinking ourselves wise, we find ourselves a fool and give God every right to condemn us with His wrath.

But God
who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our sins, made us alive in Christ—by grace we are saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).

This is where true faith is born. 

And even after salvation, we find ourselves in those moments where we recognize that we are loving lesser things, living for our own praise, too busy to be true to God's Word and faithful in prayer. And, while we cannot lose the great gift of our salvation, we find ourselves discouraged, overwhelmed by our own failures.

I love this part:

But God
swoops into our lives, shows Himself there, strong, faithful. And in that moment, we can only utter one word: GRACE. We are back on our knees now! And He is no longer just "God" to us, but "Our God," "My God."

This is where faith blooms.


The journal continues...

'But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.' Philippians 4:19 

We give out of our poverty, but God will supply our needs out of His RICHES in glory! The promises of God are my ROCK. My key to a secure mind and freedom from the joy-stealer of worry.  

My Dare:

To rise on wings of faith. As the leaves continue to fall and the mountains become visible through the trees, to remember that Jesus said the littlest of faith can move those mountains [Matthew 17:20].

What will great faith do? 

True faith realizes that God does not need my help to figure out a solution. True faith waits for His glory. True faith sees God and not the problem. My wealthy, able to do anything, larger than life God. 

Tomorrow is the final journal entry in Philippians before we move on to Galatians. I encourage you to find time today to read all four chapters again as if you are reading a letter from a dear friend. 

Here are a few links if your Bible is not nearby:

• Philippians - KJV 
• Philippians - NASB
• Philippians - ESV

Then, join back with me tomorrow to see that our journey has given us something much more valuable than just the joy we were searching for! 

* Milton Vincent, A Gospel Primer

Day 31

Winter sun. What a gift! 
Cold. Barren. Colorless winter. And, then we wait for it. Standing on our balcony Saturday morning, my husband and I see it rising over the tops of the trees and not long after filling our home with a radiant glow; sunshine. 

A picture of the gospel. 
The gospel reveals our cold, empty, colorless souls. Our inability to radiate with anything worthy of eternity with our holy, perfect God. But, the gospel does not leave us there! In the dead of winter—when we are without hope—the Son rises, warms our hearts with His love, and fills our lives with His beauty, a beauty that God the Father welcomes into His presence. Because when we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus and confess our need of His forgiveness, Christ justifies us—declares us righteous—and we have peace with God (Romans 5). 

Through Christ we gain access to the Father. Through Christ we are liberated from sin's power and its guilt. Through Christ we have all that we need!

The journal continues…

'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.' Philippians 4:13 

'I can—through Christ'   

was Paul's motto.

All of nature depends on hidden resources. Trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals. The most important part of a tree is the part you cannot see, the root system. And, the most important part of the life of the believer is the part that only God can see.

'Unless we draw upon the deep resources of God by faith, we fail against the pressures of life.'*

Paul depended on the power of Christ at work in his life. Am I drawing upon the power of Christ for every responsibility of the day? Or, am I trusting in my own faithfulness, my supposed own ability to please God? The latter yields no joy.

Jesus said in John 15, that He is the Vine and we are the branches. Communion with Christ is my hidden resource that yields life in abundance. 

My Dare:

To pause in my day and talk to my God. Little rich moments of exchanging small stresses for sufficient strength. 

"Mom, I found the missing piece to my Lego train," my 7-year-old son exclaimed today, nearly out of breath after running up the basement stairs, "and guess how?" 
"How?" I responded in my half-listening voice as I chopped an onion.
"I prayed to Jesus and then He helped me find it!"
Now I was listening. To the simple, great faith of a child. 

Sadly, as we "mature" into adulthood our faith fades and we feel much more grown up when we say, "I'm a realist." Join me tomorrow as we see that having faith does not mean living on a cloud; but rather, real faith lives on a Rock.

*Warren Wiersbe, Be Joyful